Get the scoop on up-and-coming talent at this Fort Wayne event
This month, our newsletter is brought to you by Turnstone.
You might know them: as a local nonprofit providing world-class facilities and supportive services for people with disabilities and their families.
What you might not realize is: Each spring, they host an inclusive, city-wide variety show fundraiser called Center Stage where people of all abilities have a welcoming, accessible place to share their skills. And for only $25 per ticket, you can cheer along the performers and contribute to this organization making our city a better place to be for everyone.
Mark your calendar: for June 3 at 7 p.m. at the Clyde Theatre.
We sat down with Turnstone’s Stasha Carrasquillo, Rena Shown, and Caitlyn Laidler for three quick questions about Center Stage.
- When did Turnstone start Center Stage, and what inspired it?
Stasha: This is our fourth year hosting the event, and the idea was brought to us by community members who wanted to acknowledge that while Turnstone is often known for its accessible sports and recreation opportunities, so many of our clients and friends have talents that go beyond these categories, so we wanted to create another outlet for people of all abilities – in the arts, culture and music — to perform. Over the years, we’ve had both people with and without diagnosed disabilities compete in the show and win. The premise is that: We’re looking at talent first, so everyone is judged on an equal playing field, and it’s hosted at the Clyde Theatre, which is an accessible venue where people of all abilities are physically able to get on stage and perform.
- What local talents have been discovered at Center Stage?
Rena: One group you might know is the local funk/fusion band Los Electro, which won our Center Stage talent show the first year, back when their band was called Los Galaxy. After Center Stage, we started booking them to play at more Turnstone events, and they started getting more bookings at other local festivals and events. So, Center Stage has been a great way for talented people in Fort Wayne to grow their audiences and for attendees to find up-and-coming talent.
- What are the details for this year’s event?
Caitlyn: We have 12 acts and performers of all ages and abilities, including dancers, aerialists, bands, singers, poets, and more. We also have local celebrity judges, including 89.1 WBOI’s Julia Meek and musicians Alicia Pyle, Sean Hoffman (the Debutants), DJ J. Tubbs, and dancer Jasmine Jennings. Our judges will be awarding a $5,000 Grand Prize (underwritten by a funder), and we’ll also award a People’s Choice (which you can vote for online if you can’t attend in-person). General admission tickets are on sale now for $25, and doors open at 6 p.m. on June 3 at the Clyde Theatre. One reason we chose the Clyde is because it’s an accessible venue, and it will have live music next door at the Club Room until 10 p.m. that night. So we encourage guests to come early or stay late for dinner. It’s going to be a great night!
